Doha: Al Raya newspaper underscored the State of Qatar’s pivotal role in mediating the recent crisis in the Gaza Strip, highlighting the statements of HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani in an interview with Al Jazeera. His Excellency emphasized Qatar’s active engagement since the crisis began on Oct. 7, 2023, mobilizing its diplomacy to prevent further war, destruction, and displacement in the region.
According to Qatar News Agency, the newspaper spotlighted Qatar’s significant achievement, in collaboration with partners Egypt and the United States, in brokering a cease-fire agreement in Gaza. This accomplishment, Al Raya noted, serves as a decisive response to those who doubted Qatar’s role or sought to pressure the nation for political gain.
In its editorial titled “Qatar’s Achievement: No Succumbing to Blackmail,” the paper stated that the cease-fire agreement, which halted hostilities, facilitated prisoner exchanges, and increased the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza, stands as a powerful rebuttal to critics who questioned Qatar’s influence and tried to blackmail Qatar to achieve political gains. The paper added that Qatar worked tirelessly for 115 days, with its mediators proving their capability, culminating in the historic agreement announced last Wednesday, which brought joy and relief to Gaza.
In his interview, HE the Prime Minister reiterated that military operations cannot resolve the conflict, emphasizing that mediation and political solutions are the most reliable and shortest paths to ending disputes and crises.
His Excellency also quoted the affirmations of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, that the happiness of Gaza’s people had erased the exhaustion and hardship endured by Qatari mediators over the long months of negotiations.
Al Raya noted that Qatar consistently affirmed its commitment, alongside its partners, to facilitating negotiations without interfering in the decisions of any party, as the final resolution ultimately rests with the conflicting sides.
The paper highlighted Qatar’s optimistic and proactive approach, aiming for a peaceful resolution to the crisis through a cease-fire, hostage and prisoner exchanges, sustained humanitarian aid, and a final settlement to prevent further regional escalation.
With this achievement, the voices that once criticized Qatar for narrow political interests have fallen silent, the paper observed. Qatar’s success has reinforced Doha’s position as a global diplomatic capital, earning widespread international recognition and praise for its mediation efforts.
Al Raya concluded by emphasizing that the global welcome of the agreement and the accolades for Qatar’s efforts underscore the nation’s significant influence in international politics and the success of its vision rooted in mediation and diplomacy.
